"In the name of art, not for sale". Lukashenko on the concept of the "For Spiritual Revival" prize
The "For Spiritual Revival" award is presented year after year for what has been done by Belarusians at the call of the heart, not for show, in the name of art, not for sale. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the award ceremony for the "For Spiritual Revival" award, special awards for cultural and artistic figures, and the "Belarusian Sports Olympus" of 2025, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The Belarusian leader reminded that in the early nineties, in the first years of independence, the theme of searching for the Belarusian Orthodox relic - the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk - was very actively discussed. At that time, Alexander Lukashenko, being a presidential candidate, said in one of the interviews to journalists that it was not the time to search for rarities, but to restore the economy.
"But in a certain sense, we found the shrine. Very quickly - in the heart of the people, - he emphasized. - We found this symbol of spirituality in the people who restored the normal pace of development of the national economy in the shortest possible time. Those who, despite the lack of money, developed the traditions of folk creativity and other forms of art - completely non-commercial and at that time unpopular. We found it in people of good will - compassionate and selfless, who preserved their inner purity in such harsh times."
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the soloist of the brass band of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk City Executive Committee Anna Blagova
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the soloist-instrumentalist of the branch "Museum of the History of Architecture of the St. Sophia Cathedral" of the National Polotsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Ksenia Pogorelaya
The President noted that two years after the first presidential elections in Belarus, the "For Spiritual Revival" award was established from the money earned by the entire country. "Year after year we award it for what has been done at the call of the heart, not for show. In the name of art, not for sale. For the good of the country, but not for glory," he said.
- Lukashenko emphasized the importance of preserving unity in Belarus against the backdrop of the "frenzy" of the modern world
- Lukashenko thanked Belarusian military for their peaceful military labor
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the teacher of the Molodechno State Music College named after M.K. Oginsky Elizaveta Chervontseva
The "For Spiritual Revival" award was awarded to the creative team consisting of the artistic director of the Youth Variety Theater Vladislava Artyukovskaya and the poet-songwriter Anna Lukashenko
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the collective of the Brest Puppet Theater
The "For Spiritual Revival" award was awarded to the creative team of the National State Television and Radio Company
The head of state noted that the words "spirituality" and "culture" are closely interconnected and one cannot exist without the other. "Culture is the pulse of life, the life of our people. If we preserve the material, creative, spiritual heritage of our ancestors - we have history. If there is something to preserve - it means there is a people, it means there is a state. Simple truths. And thanks to everyone who brings them to life - preserves historical memory, culture, spiritual values," the President said.
The honored coach of the USSR and BSSR Spartak Mironovich
Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the laureates of the "For Spiritual Revival" award, special awards for cultural and artistic figures, and the "Belarusian Sports Olympus" award on their well-deserved recognition. "Both the demand for it and the idea of the solemn event that we are holding in the Palace of the Republic during these bright, festive days came from life. From our history with you," noted Alexander Lukashenko.
The special award "Belarusian Sports Olympus" was awarded to the Presidential Sports Club
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the collective of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the collective of the exemplary dance ensemble "Chabarok" of the Minsk State Palace of Children and Youth
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the collective of the Mosty District Library
The "For Spiritual Revival" award was awarded to the senior district inspector of the police department for maintaining public order and prevention of public safety police of the Gomel District Executive Committee Viktor Shipkov
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the master of folk arts and crafts of the Dzerzhinsk District Center for Culture and Folk Creativity Andrei Martynyuk
The special award of the President of Belarus was awarded to the artistic director of the honored collective of the Republic of Belarus film actor studio of the National Film Studio "Belarusfilm" Alexander Efremov
The "For Spiritual Revival" award was awarded to the creative team of the National State Television and Radio Company
The head of state also congratulated all Belarusians on Christmas: "May each of you be accompanied by success in your endeavors, may all your dreams come true, and may your hearts be filled with good cheer, warmth, and joy. I wish you the most important thing - peace, goodness, and prosperity."